Moose WRP Photo Safaris

Hi,

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Anyone participated in those photo safaris led by Moose? Could you

share your experience? I'm interested in the Black Hills trip which

covers Wind Cave NP, Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands

(from Sept.29 - Oct.3). If anyone has been there before, is that the

best time to go there? The charge for the trip is $900 (lodging not

included). Is it a good deal :-)

Thanks in advance.

Vince

I've never been on such a "safari", but I did a very similar trip

two years ago on my own. It's an interesting area to visit with

everything from scenics in the badlands to buffalo and big horn

sheep in Custer. Mt Rushmore is a giant attraction for tourists

and not really a subject for nature photography though! Wind

Cave (and Jewel(?) Cave) are neat. Photography is tricky in the

caves, but possible in places. Make sure your flash covers enough

for any wide angle lenses you intend to use. Since there isn't

any significant ambient lighting, any fall off in illumination is

very obvious on slides.

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Whether $900 for 5 days is a good deal depends on what you want.

Personally, I'd rather do the trip myself and save the money for

film and lenses. I also don't much like "group" photography,

especially when working with wildlife. It all depends on how much

you need to learn. I'm not sure you really need a guide for these

areas, just a few good books and maps.

Moose Peterson is on outstanding instructor and extremely knowledgable.

He is much more familiar with Nokon system than with Canon or the

others. I hve photographed in the Black Hills, Wind Cave, Custer State

Park area a number of times. It is a wonderful area. Is $900 a good

deal? That depends on what you want out of the trip. If you need

photographic instruction, it could be Moose is a great instructor. If

you just need a tour guide maybe not. The rangers at each of these

areas can direct you to some great locations. If you have any more

questions feel free to contact me. I lead trips to Rocky Mountain

National Park CO and Bosque del Apache National Woldlife Refuge NM if

that is of interest to you.